The evidence guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. It is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit of competency must be able to identify, describe and consistently integrate procedures to ensure personal health and safety, while carrying out a variety of tasks and providing client service in a hairdressing salon environment.

Knowledge of relevant legislation and workplace operator safety procedures along with knowledge of the risk associated with unprotected use of hairdressing and cleaning chemicals to the operator's eyes, skin and respiratory systems must also be demonstrated.

Specific evidence requirements

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

ability to describe the risks associated with unprotected operator use of hairdressing and cleaning chemicals

reading, accurately interpreting and consistently applying manufacturer's product safety data sheet instructions for the use and application of hairdressing chemicals

knowledge and consistent application of workplace operator safety policies and procedures, and safe work practices

knowledge and consistent application of federal, state and local health and hygiene regulations applicable to the workplace

knowledge of the transmission routes of infectious conditions and skills in the application of standard infection-control precautions.

Context of assessment

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include the hairdresser and/or an experienced person at the workplace.

Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment in a range of situations that may include client interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the workplace. For further guidance on the use of an appropriate simulated environment, refer to the Assessment Guidelines in this Training Package.

Evidence should be collected with reasonable adjustment as determined by the needs of the client.

Specific resources for assessment

Competency for this unit should be assessed through access to:

relevant documentation, such as workplace policy and procedures manuals, occupational health and safety legislation, health regulations and manufacturer's product safety data sheets

a range of clients with different requirements

a range of products and equipment appropriate to the hairdressing workplace.

Relationship to other units

In the context of an assessment-only and/or a training delivery and assessment pathway all units that relate to a job function can be integrated for assessment purposes.

:

none.

:

none.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested.

Observation of the learner performing a range of tasks in an actual or simulated work environment, over sufficient time to demonstrate his/her handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include:

cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment

preparing for and performing shampoo services prior to design, chemical reformation, hair relaxation and haircutting services

mixing colour and/or lightening products as directed by a senior operator

rinsing and neutralising after a chemical curling service

applying and removing temporary hair colour.

Written questions relevant to the operator's work regarding OHS legislation and health regulations.

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.

Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skills may include:

communication skills that take into account the culture, background and abilities of other operators and clients, while demonstrating a knowledge of communication techniques, including:

listening and questioning techniques

verbal and non-verbal communication skills

negotiation techniques

language, literacy and numeracy skills relevant to the role and workplace requirements

consistently correct application and use of protective equipment including gloves, goggles and masks.

Knowledge may include:

knowledge of healthy posture and the impact of poor or incorrect posture

the provisions of relevant occupational health and safety legislation and regulations

the provisions of relevant health and hygiene legislation and regulations

workplace safety policies and procedures with regard to operator safety

the allergic and damaging effects to operators of consistent contact with hairdressing chemicals

techniques for the safe handling of a variety of hairdressing products, tools and equipment.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. Bold italicised text from the performance criteria is detailed here.

Symptoms may include:

condition of the skin, including:

dry

flaking

split and cracked

itchy

blisters and welts on the skin

swelling of fingers, hands and/or wrists

runny nose, sneezing and asthma.

Causes may include:

irritants, including:

frequent and ongoing exposure to water

shampoos and styling products

soaps and detergents

heat

hydrogen peroxide

chemical curling, volumising and straightening products

allergy to particular products, including:

hair dyes

chemical curling, volumising and straightening products

bleach products

latex in natural rubber, such as that found in cheap, powdered, disposable latex gloves.

Common forms of occupational contact dermatitis may include:

irritant contact dermatitis

allergic contact dermatitis

contact urticaria.

Preventative routines may include:

using skin moisturisers regularly during the working day, at the end of the working day and before bed

when hands are in contact with hairdressing chemicals, wearing gloves that are:

specifically designed for hairdressers' use

powder free, high quality latex

developing the habit of wearing gloves

throwing away disposable gloves after each use

wearing reusable rubber gloves when cleaning in the workplace

always keeping the contaminated surface of reusable rubber gloves on the outside

not wearing rings while working with moisture and chemicals.

Hairdressing chemical services may include:

applying curling/volumising solutions

neutralising during curling/volumising services

applying chemical straightening products

hair colouring services

hair lightening services.

Workplace operator safety procedures may include:

workplace product safety data sheets and manuals

workplace safety videos

manufacturer's product safety data sheets

health and hygiene procedures

workplace safety customs and practices.

Relevant legislation and regulations may include:

federal, state and local health and hygiene

occupational health and safety.